The VP for Education and Community Engagement is responsible for visioning and implementing the strategic direction for SFI’s Education and Community Engagement pillar across the US and Canada. The VP will work closely with the President and CEO, the Senior Director of Education Programs (who oversees the PLT program), the Director of Education and Indigenous Relations (who focuses on Canada), the Development Director, the Chief Conservation Officer, the Senior Manager of Community Engagement, and the communications team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Direction:1. Provide strategic leadership of the SFI Education and Community Engagement pillar, across the US and Canada2. Collaborate with and participate in the SFI leadership team to ensure connections across SFI’s three pillars3. Develop and oversee the implementation of a business plan to grow SFI’s education and community engagement programs and services, including revenue generating models for existing and new educational products4. Advise and oversee strategies to maximize the impact of SFI’s grant programs, including PLT grants

Finance and Fundraising:5. Advise and support efforts to execute fundraising strategies and activities, in conjunction with the Development Director (a new position) and key staff6. Oversee the development and management of budgets and work plans for all education and community engagement programs

Networks and Partnerships:7. Oversee partnerships and alliances (new and existing) to help SFI achieve strategic goals and facilitate support for SFI’s education and community engagement programs8. Evaluate PLT and SIC networks and implement strategies for engaging and leveraging them9. Build recognition initiatives for education and community engagement efforts

Communications and Policy:10. Serve as the external representative and principal spokesperson for SFI at key community and education events11. Initiate and assist with the development of communication strategies and content to promote SFI’s education and community engagement programs to critical audiences12. Support environmental education-based policy, engaging in coalitions and grassroots networks to ensure positive outcomes for environmental education policies and issues

Governance and Evaluation:13. Oversee education governance, including PLT’s Education Operating Committee14. Support President and CEO in providing strategic updates to the SFI Board on education and community engagement15. Advise the evaluation of SFI’s education and community engagement programs.

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate will bring:• Entrepreneurial leadership;• Positive attitude and high energy—a person who sees opportunities rather than problems, enjoys working cooperatively and collaboratively in a team environment, and prioritizes the mission over individual agendas;• Ability to translate big ideas into effective strategies with all levels of stakeholders;• Active curiosity and engagement in ongoing learning—having and seeking depth of content knowledge and understanding;• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment, handling tasks with diplomacy, tenacity, and a drive for results;• Expertise in synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating complex ideas to diverse constituencies;• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;• Proficiency in Spanish or French (not required but a plus);• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and• Ability to travel up to 40% of time.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s in Business Administration or related degree and at least 10 years of leadership experience• Experience related to developing business models and marketing plans• Experience managing a dynamic network of strategic partners• Expertise in developing and administering strategic plans and budgets• Experience working effectively with senior leadership, board, staff members, and volunteers

HOW TO APPLYTo apply for this position, email a resume and cover letter to the attention of Nadine Block, Chief Operating Officer, at jobs@sfiprogram.org. Subject line should say “Application: VP Education and Community Engagement”. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but are encouraged by March 2.

SFI® Inc. is a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. We are an independent, non-profit organization that provides supply chain assurances, produces conservation outcomes, and supports education and community engagement. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, and universities. SFI standards and on-product labels help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions. Additionally, we oversee the SFI Forest Partners® Program, which aims to increase the source of certified forest products, the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program, which funds research and community building, and Project Learning Tree®, which develops students’ appreciation for and knowledge of the environment. SFI Inc. is governed by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social, and economic sectors equally. SFI believes caring for forests improves everyone’s quality of life.